A Lady Goes West

A healthy lifestyle blog by Ashley Pitt

Les Mills BODYPUMP 93 class review

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Hello all! It’s about that time for a review of the latest Les Mills BODYPUMP group fitness release number 93. 

But first, let me share these fun facts with you …

  • BODYPUMP features more than 800 reps per class, resulting in the “rep effect,” which helps people to tone and shape their bodies without lifting super-heavy weights
  • BODYPUMP is the original barbell class, delivered and enjoyed in more than 80 countries across the globe
  • Every single BODYPUMP release builds off of the last, creating an ever-changing, but always high-quality program, grounded in a standard format of 10 songs
  • BODYPUMP offers total-body strength-training moves choreographed to top tunes, and people become completely addicted to it

Pretty good stuff, right? 

My history with and love for Les Mills group fitness 

It’s clear that I’m a huge believer in the power of working out in the group setting and Les Mills group fitness programs in general. In fact, the first time I ever lifted weights was in a Les Mills BODYPUMP class. Fast forward to today, more than six years later, and I’m an instructor of the class, as well as an instructor of several other Les Mills programs and am a certified personal trainer. I think it’s safe to say that BODYPUMP has been a game-changer for me, as well as for many other people. I’ve seen so many participants throughout the years change their lives by improving their fitness, body and health, just by attending regular classes. They attend those classes because they enjoy them. There’s just something different about a Les Mills workout. The moves are choreographed to great music, and the energy is high. And Les Mills continues to innovate by “releasing” brand new moves and music to instructors around the world every three months.

The 24 Hour Fitness gyms in the San Francisco Bay Area where I teach “launched” or “debuted” the latest Les Mills releases during the first week of April. I’ve been teaching the latest releases for a couple of weeks, so now I’m ready to share my feedback with you. (If you need a primer on all things BODYPUMP first, check out “BODYPUMP overview and tips for first-timers.”)

Les Mills BODYPUMP 93 review via A Lady Goes West

Overall feedback on BODYPUMP 93

  • This is a solid release, but not my favorite.
  • I think the chest, lunge and shoulder tracks are the most challenging. 
  • The music is incredibly diverse, from alternative rock, to pop, to techno, with some very trendy and obscure tunes included.
  • We get the chance to work without the barbell in the chest, triceps, biceps and shoulders tracks, which is very beneficial for participants, because their dominant side is not always powering the barbell and developing muscle imbalances.
  • There seems to be less recovery throughout the tracks of the release, which I like, because it gives you more bang for your buck in your workout.
  • There are no major new moves or break-throughs in this release. In fact, it carries on many of the same themes as BODYPUMP 92.

BODYPUMP 93 class review

Here’s a track-by-track breakdown …

  1. Warm-up: “Break Free” by Ariana Grande feat. Zedd. This is a catchy, happy and popular song to start the workout with just enough energy to fill the room. This warm-up begins right away with the usual moves like deadlifts, upright rows, squats, lunges and even a chance to use small weight-plates to properly heat up the shoulder muscles with some side-raises and side-rotator-raises. I think this is the first time we’ve done the single clean-and-press/deadrow combination in the warm-up, which is a great chance to try the full move with a light bar. Overall, this is a good way to set the tone and open the workout.
  2. Squats: “Booyah” by Showtek feat. We Are Loud & Sonny Wilson. This squat song is four sets, three of which are done in mid-stance to target the quads. There is an isometric hold combination, which makes the work in the muscles seem a bit more intense. While I like the beat of this song, I wish there were more words to make it more exciting. This track is nearly six minutes long, but I don’t think it’s the hardest squat track we’ve ever had. Overall, it’s just okay.
  3. Chest: “King and Queens” by Thirty Seconds to Mars. I have very mixed feelings about this track. I don’t like the very somber tone of the song, but I do like the slow isolated work we do with the chest-fly move. This entire track is done with just two large plates, laying back on the benchtop. Because of that, I think there is a great opportunity for people to truly feel their chests working, if they get their arms wide enough into a properly executed fly. However, it takes a lot of coaching to get people there, as most people attempt to do an easier chest pressing motion with the elbows too narrow. I really like the exercise progression in this track and focus on slow moves, but the song is a sleeper. 
  4. Back: “Here Tonight” by Dash Berlin & Jay Cosmic. Good one! This track features three completely identical sets with deadrows, triple deadrows, clean-and-press/deadrow combinations and power-presses. I think the song fits well with the moves, and the exercises offer just the right amount of intensity. The breaks are super short, and the two power-presses in a row are just what we need to hit a peak at the end of each set. Overall, this a very strong back track.
  5. Triceps: “Bang Bang” vs. Jessie J., Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj. Super fun one! While we usually have a couple of fun songs in a release, the tone of BODYPUMP 93 is incredibly serious until this point, so this poppy triceps track is needed. We only use one large plate the whole time for overhead extensions, then kickback rows. I find the two sets of triceps push-ups quite challenging after all the weighted work. My class participants seem to love this track, and I’d agree. There is plenty of challenge, with the right amount of fun, smack dab in the middle of class.
  6. Biceps: “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy. In this track, we use two plates instead of a barbell, which I’m always a fan of for the ability to work each side on its own. The moves go perfectly with this rock song, so I really like teaching this track. While it’s a challenging track, it’s totally doable and gives a great burn. There are five sets and nearly five minutes, so it’s a long one for biceps. Overall, it’s a strong track.
  7. Lunges: “1941” by Klapyex feat. Virian. I just love this song! I had never heard it before, and it’s so fun and different. For this track, we use the barbell the entire time for a few squats and tons of lunges. I know that participants prefer to have actual lunges in the lunge track (as in previous releases there have been little to no traditional lunges), so this one certainly delivers in that regard. There are plenty of tempo changes and bottom-halves to really fatigue the legs. Without any real breaks, this track packs a punch. Overall, my favorite song of the release!
  8. Shoulders: “Twisted” by Fedde le Grand. This is one of the hardest shoulders tracks we’ve had in a while. Push-ups start and end the track, and there are four sets in between with the barbell and plates. I love the very short, but very intense sets with the bar, in which the last one features a tough military set stance. The song is actually pretty cool and goes well with the moves. Overall, this is a very strong track and just what we need to finish the weighted portion of class.
  9. Core: “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor. We don’t need any equipment for this final working track of the class. This is not a hard core track at all, but it’s a good one because of the single-leg bridge work included throughout. I love it when a core track includes moves to target the back-side of the body as well as the front. This is a popular and catchy tune, which participants seem to enjoy. It goes by quickly and is a good counter to the intensity of the shoulder track completed just before. 
  10. Cool-down: “What Are You Waiting For” by Nickelback. This is a short and simple cool-down, which basically gets the job done. I’m never totally satisfied with the amount of time allotted for stretching after such a tough workout, but I realize that the combination of tracks needs to run less than an hour to keep classes moving along on the schedule without backing up. Decent song to finish up the release. 

*There are also alternate chest and triceps tracks, which I have not taught. I generally stick to the original line-up with every release.

For instructors

I found this release very easy to learn because of all the repetition. However, I practiced this one with weights quite a bit, to get the feel of some of the more challenging tracks. As a reminder, it’s important to find and locate new people in the class and let them know that they can leave after the first four tracks, as this is something stressed in the education and notes portion of the release. Other than that, work on your timing and tempo, because that is critical in many of the tracks on this release. And if you’re looking for a few tips on how to pack your classes, check out my post on “Top 10 ways to grow your group fitness classes.” 

For participants

Go up in weight! It’s time to start challenging yourself, and BODYPUMP 93 can be the release to do that. Just pick a couple of tracks and add some extra weight on your bar. In order to keep getting stronger, you have to keep testing your limits, so don’t be scared. And if you want to make sure you’re getting the most of the other classes you take, check out my tips on “How to get better results from group fitness.”

That about does it for BODYPUMP 93! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next release.

Enjoy more Les Mills information

As you can see, I have a lot to say about Les Mills. If you want to read a little bit more, please check out some of my previous posts:

That’s it, guys! I hope you have lovely Tuesday! See you back here tomorrow for some talk about food.

Questions of the day

Have you ever taken a BODYPUMP class?

For instructors or participants, what are your thoughts on BODYPUMP 93?

What type of music do you like to work out to?

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About Ashley

I'm a mom and fitness instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina. And A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness, wellness and clean beauty tips, as well as stories from my life.
 
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Comments

    • Ashley says

      Hi Megan! Yes you need to do some research and find a gym near you offering classes. However, you definitely want to take the class more than a few times to get a feel for it! Hope you do one day! 🙂 Happy Tuesday!

      Reply

  3. Gretchen | Gretchruns says

    My gym’s version of bodypump also did a new release recently. It’s really tough but all the music is great so it motivated me to keep pushing! I really noticed a difference when I started adding more weight each class. I have some definition now, which definitely wasn’t there when I would keep the same weight week after week!
    Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Why I Run: TOTRMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Jessica! Oh that must be hard! Maybe you can make a weekend pilgrimage to a gym that has classes? Hope you can get your fix soon! And have a great Tuesday while you’re at it!

      Reply

  7. Georgie says

    I really enjoy Body Pump. Unfortunately the gym I’m at now doesn’t offer any classes, but when I used to do Body Pump at school (we had some amazing free classes) I loved it! It was such a great way to learn basic lifts without being intimidated by the weight room. My favorite workout jams are upbeat EDM-esque but I’ve been loving Matt & Kim’s new album lately.

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Georgie! I hope you get back to a Les Mills-offering gym soon! And EDM is definitely great to listen to. I also like the BPM station on Sirius! Hope you have an awesome day! 🙂

      Reply

  8. Annette@FitnessPerks says

    Solid review, Ashley!! I’ll be posting sometime this week too 🙂 #greatminds

    I agree-the squat track could def be harder–adding bottom halves or something. I totally love basically every song-music wise. Which almost never happens!
    Annette@FitnessPerks recently posted…Another Year My Profile

    Reply

  9. Hayley @ Full of Life says

    As I told you before, I <3 Bodypump. I actually don't love most group exercise classes I've tried but this is the exception. I really hope to get back into it when my knee is 100%! Especially since WC Supersport is so close to me 🙂
    Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…Red CarpetMy Profile

    Reply

  10. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    Great review! I always love reading these. I’m with you – the chest song can be challenging if you do the fly right, but I don’t love the song … and, yes, the lunges and shoulder tracks are definitely a challenge, but I love it. Overall, I was really happy with the music choices in this release (maybe except for the chest track), and the workout was a good challenge, but definitely one you could likely increase your weight in at least a few tracks. I’ll be posting more of my thoughts in my review soon too. 😉
    Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Tabata-Style Circuit WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Agreed, Ashley! I love the chest fly, personally, because even I feel more engagement in the chest muscles than a compound press, so I like that change for this release. But of course, we’ll see what’s up for the next round. Looking forward to your thoughts as well! 🙂 Happy Tuesday!
      Ashley recently posted…Les Mills BODYPUMP 93 class reviewMy Profile

      Reply

  11. Diane says

    The shoulder track absolutely kills me!! But I have to say that it pumps me up as well and during the final set of pushups even though I’m soooo tired, I crank out the last 8 pushups on my toes which is a new one for me. 😉 The first time I did this release the instructor showed chest & biceps with plates but we all use the bar now and it burns so much more. Awesome review!
    Diane recently posted…Adventures in French customer service & a winery visitMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Diane! I really like using the plates for the chest track, but I know some people are more comfortable with the bar. And that’s so awesome you’re getting on your toes for those final 8! You go girl!! 🙂 Hope you’re doing well!!

      Reply

  12. Ashleigh says

    Thanks so much for your review! I’m currently learning 93 as it’s being released this week at my gym (up in Canada). I don’t need to teach it until next week though. At team practice I noticed a lot of the same things you pointed out – especially that lunge track!! I agree with you about the squat song… it gets a little flat by the mid-point. And I’m not loving the shoulder song, it’s a little too techno remixed for me, but the work is tough!

    Thanks again, you helped me learn a little bit more 🙂
    Ashleigh recently posted…Birthday Burgers and Killer LegsMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Ashleigh! So glad you enjoyed the review! And I hope you have a good launch at your gym next week for the new release. It’s a fun one! Happy pumping to you!!! 🙂 Kia Kaha!

      Reply

  14. Jenna says

    I always look forward to your reviews! I’ve actually been the opposite of you when it comes to learning the choreography. I have had a lot of trouble for some reason. I think it’s a combination of learning three other format’s choreography and the repetition. I enjoy mixing sets up to keep things different. I love the back track and lunge track but am not a huge fan of the debbie downer chest track. I agree, it’s too somber. I appreciate all the plate work and hope to see more of it in the next release. Overall a fun experience in my opinion!
    Jenna recently posted…Perfect weather and company for hikingMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Jenna! I know it’s hard when you have multiple programs. I didn’t even learn the new CXWORX this time because I didn’t have to launch it, and but had to teach BODYATTACK on a Monday and BODYPUMP on a Tuesday, so it was cramming time. But as you know, the longer you teach programs, the faster you learn them! Happy pumping to you! 🙂

      Reply

  16. Melissa says

    I love your reviews! I agree 100% with you on the triceps track – love love love it! I actually love the entire release. We launch on Thursday and I can’t wait! So, since I haven’t actually taught it yet, I wonder if my opinions will change. 🙂 I haven’t spent as much time with it as I normally do with new releases because I’m going to AIM 1 for BodyCombat Friday and have spent more time than normal on Combat. But, Pump is my true love.

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Melissa! Good luck with your launch! Have fun with it! You’ll see people dying in lunges for some reason, but I don’t find it that bad using chest weight. And that’s awesome you’re going to AIM1 for BODYCOMBAT! Enjoy it! Definitely takes the teaching and technique up a notch! Kia Kaha!

      Reply

  17. Megan says

    I’ve been looking forward to a review on 93! The gym I go to just launched it last weekend & I’ve only been able to do it twice so far. I never seem to really like a release at first but then it kind of grows on me, I guess. I’m glad that they switched up the chest/triceps & got rid of the bar (but I wish we did something other than flys the entire time). And that shoulder track — holy moly — I love it but it’s a killer!

    Reply

  18. Fiona says

    Love hearing your reviews of the classes! I just did the new release on Monday and I have to say that I felt like the first half was easier then the second..man that lunge track and the shoulder track….aye aye aye…though I didn’t feel at ALL challenged by the squat track…I was feeling every part of my body come today so that means something! I’m excited to keep trying it and I always find it takes me a few classes to get into the release, though I did like this one better then last release…

    Reply

      • Fiona says

        No it didn’t come through, how weird! I am excited to get the full 2-3 weeks of the release…I actually did find the whole thing challenging (’cause I could feel it the next day) but I think I loved a few releases back more, like maybe 90, 91….But the best thing about these classes is that you NEVER get bored! It’s always and forever changing!

        Reply

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